The EU’s most senior official hopes to paper over the growing cracks in the EU-US partnership after a number of high-profile assaults on the Brussels project by the US President.

As part of his protectionist crackdown on trade, Mr Trump branded the EU a “foe” of the United States.

The American said: “I think the European Union is a foe, what they do to us in trade. Now you wouldn't think of the European Union, but they're a foe.”

Messrs Juncker and Trump will focus their intention on transatlantic trade negotiations and “forging a strong economic partnership”, according to a European Commission announcement.

I think the European Union is a foe, what they do to us in trade

Donald Trump

The EU’s executive body adds: “The two leaders will discuss the deep cooperation between the European Union and the United States government and institutions across a wide range of priorities, including foreign and security policy, counter terrorism, energy security and economic growth.”

Mr Juncker will be accompanied by the EU’s trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom on his Washington venture, the third trade mission undertaken the Commission President in little over a week.

A number of Brussels’ top bosses have made a successful trip to Asia this week, which involved the bloc signing off on one of its largest trade agreements with Japan.

Upon signing the EU-Japan deal, European Council President Donald Tusk said: “We are sending a clear message that we stand against protectionism. The EU and Japan remain open for cooperation.”